City of London Police - News & appeals

‘Heartbreak’ for car crash conman as he’s jailed

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A conman who invented 12 car crashes in two years using multiple aliases and scrapped cars to scam £65,000 from an insurer has been jailed for 18 months. Kevin Heartbreak was sentenced at the Old Bailey today (Thursday 23 May 2013) after admitting that he insured scrap cars with Aviva under assumed names and then reported the cars were in accidents. And, between July 2010 and August 2012, while trading as Thunder Storm Cars, he also lodged bogus damage and whiplash claims as well as car recovery and storage claims. But 28-year-old Heartbreak came unstuck when Aviva established that Thunder Storm Cars was not storing the vehicles alleged to have been involved and the insurer made a referral to the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED). IFED detectives arrested Heartbreak at his rented flat in Middlesex in August 2012 and seized pay-as-you-go mobile phones, identity documents, vehicle documents and computers. Some of the mobile phones had notes stuck to them bearing two names, a telephone number and the name of an insurer. Detectives suspect the notes acted as an aid to remind Heartbreak of the fabricated names he had reported were involved in each fictional crash using a specific mobile phone. The identity documents revealed Heartbreak, of Boston Gardens, Brentford, had changed his name by deed poll numerous times since 2008. Detectives believe this allowed him to legitimately obtain identity documents, including driving licences, in different names. Heartbreak was subsequently charged with 12 counts of fraud by false representation, one count of money laundering and another of possession of a false identity document. He later pleaded guilty to 11 counts of fraud by false representation. DS Mark Forster, who led IFED’s investigation, said: “Heartbreak was a con artist who carefully choreographed every aspect of the crashes, including changing his name, in an attempt to avoid detection. “However, the personal greed that drove him to re-offend ultimately led to his downfall, with the insurer discovering his scam and then IFED investigating and stopping his criminal enterprise." IFED has begun financial confiscation proceedings against Heartbreak. Tom Gardiner, Head of Fraud, Aviva, said, “This is another example of systematic and organised motor and personal injury fraud, and of insurers’ increasing ability to detect and work with others prosecute these crimes. “In this instance, Aviva identified the fraud through matching personal details involving fictitious policyholders and claimants for multiple bogus claims worth tens of thousands of pounds. This prosecution sends a clear message to would-be fraudsters that insurers are increasingly detecting fraud and working with the police and criminal justice agencies to successfully prosecute those responsible.”

Woolwich Incident - Update

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

City of London Police are on patrol as normal in residential communities and across the Square Mile and officers are available to provide support to anyone who may have any concerns following yesterday’s killing in Woolwich. Community police are as usual in contact with residential communities, businesses and out on the streets to provide a visible presence in the City. The force has offered its support to the Metropolitan Police Service, which has launched a murder inquiry led by the Counter Terrorism Command. The Met has appealed for anyone with any information or who may have witnessed what took place in Woolwich to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.The Met is also appealing for anyone who has still or moving images of the incident to send them to woolwich@metincident.co.uk - please include your name and contact details, which will be treated in strictest confidence.

Police warn of bank card scam

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Police are warning people not to fall victim to a bank card scam where fraudsters try to obtain bank and credit card details to steal money from bank accounts. How does the scam work? 1. Fraudsters telephone you claiming to be from your bank or the police and tell you that your bank card details have been used fraudulently.2. They suggest that you hang up and ring the bank/police back to make you believe the call is genuine. Don’t be fooled - they stay on the line and may use a device to make you believe you hear a dialling tone. They will then ask you to read out or key in your PIN.3. They send a taxi/courier to collect your bank card. With this and your PIN they spend your money. REMEMBER: Banks or the police will never ask for your PIN or ask to collect your bank card. If fraudulent activity has taken place, your bank or card company will contact you to verify transactions and ask security questions, they may also ask you to cut up your card. If they cannot get in contact with you, they usually block your card to prevent any fraudulent activity on your account.If you have been a victim of this scam, please visit the Action Fraud website to report it and for further information.

Man sentenced for 10 years following fatal stabbing

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

On Wednesday 15th May, Robert Casey was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment at the Old Bailey after being found guilty of manslaughter. Casey was charged on 25th June 2012 following a fatal stabbing, which took place near a Farringdon night club on 24th June 2012 in which a 33 year old man died. Background: On the morning of Sunday 24th June, officers from City of London Police attended an incident where a man had been stabbed outside of a night club on Charterhouse Street, EC1. On arrival at the scene they found a man, aged 33, on the pavement with a serious stab wound to his chest. The victim was taken to an east London hospital but was pronounced dead around 90 minutes later. A man, aged 25 at the time of the incident, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and a major investigation was carried out to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Officers found that on Saturday 23rd June, the victim had been out with friends celebrating his birthday in a night club on Charterhouse Street. At some point during the evening one of the victim’s friends was involved in an altercation with another individual at the club. As a result of this and his continued aggression the friend (suspect) was made to leave the club and his friends joined him outside, the group then moved away from the venue.A while later the group were approached by the man who had been involved in the earlier altercation with the suspect. The man approached the group and the suspect backed away, whilst he did this he reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife. The suspect, whilst brandishing the knife, rushed back towards the man. He made a motion with the knife towards the man and the victim, who was acting as a peacemaker, was caught by the knife and received a fatal wound to the chest. Detective Chief Inspector John Osibote said: “This was a tragic incident where an innocent man, who was celebrating his birthday, has become the victim of an avoidable dispute and been stabbed by someone he knew. It has had a huge impact on those that knew the victim and I hope it acts as a warning to others. I would like to thank all of the officers involved in this case who have worked hard to secure this outcome. I would also like to thank the family of the victim who have shown incredible strength and dignity throughout the investigation.” Statement from the family of victim Nicholas Henry in response to sentencing: “As a family we are pleased that the court process has been concluded. The loss of Nicholas has caused a huge amount of distress to the family and his 5 year old son.However, we feel that the sentence of 10 years does not reflect Robert Casey’s actions given it is accepted that he was carrying a knife and used it unlawfully to kill Nicholas. We feel strongly that his sentence is insufficient and as a family we will suffer forever.”

The IG London Nocturne cycling event - 8 June 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The IG London Nocturne cycling event hits the streets of Smithfield once again on Saturday 8th June 2013. Crowds of up to 12,000 people are expected with road closures in and around the Smithfield area. View more information and the day’s schedule.

Can you identify suspects of phone robbery?

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

City of London Police is appealing for information and witnesses following a robbery which took place in April.In the early hours of Saturday 6th April, a 26 year old man was on his way home from Stoke Newington. He travelled on the Route 47 bus towards South London, whilst on the bus he sat on the lower deck and used his phone. The victim got off the bus at London Bridge, at this point two men have grabbed hold of the victim. One of the suspects has pulled the victim’s arm behind his back and searched his pockets, whilst the second suspect has acted as a distraction. The suspects then casually walked off, only running when the victim began to follow them. After viewing the CCTV from the bus officers can see the suspects travelled on the same bus as the victim, they are seen observing him using his phone. Images of suspects If you recognise the suspects or have any information about the incident please contact City of London Police on 020 7601 2121 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Do you recognise this man?

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

City of London Police need to speak to a man in connection with a serious assault that occurred in the City of London on the 7th March, 2013. This E-Fit is thought to be a very good likeness of the man. If you know him or can help, please do not hesitate to contact DC Caroline Fisk on 020 7601 2902 or by email at caroline.fisk@cityoflondon.police.uk Bengali Translation You can download a PDF version of the Bengali translation here.

City call centre arrests as multi-agency operation steps up fight against pension liberation activity

Thu, 9 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

City of London Police has dismantled a suspected organised crime gang believed to be cold-calling and text messaging pension holders across the UK with fraudulent offers that could destroy their retirement plans.The investigation forms part of a wider cross government multi-agency operation against pension liberation activity, with thousands of people estimated to have released up to £400 million into high risk and non-existent investment schemes, many of which are based overseas. Some of this money has been totally lost to fraudsters, with victims also being hit by significant tax and admin fees. On Wednesday morning (May 8) detectives from the National Lead Force for fraud entered a City of London based office housing up to 40 call-operatives, arresting three men and seizing computers and documents. At the same time the investigation team, supported by Police Scotland and SOCA, were arresting two men in Ayr and in Glasgow. Two further arrests were made in Cheshire. All seven men were arrested on suspicion of consipiracy to defraud and money laundering, and have since been released on bail. The operation marked an important moment in what is the first major police investigation against suspected pension liberation fraud. It was triggered after the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau identified an increasing number of reports to the Action Fraud hotline of people losing their pensions after having been persuaded by the promise of better returns and tax free advances to release their savings. The Taskforce set-up to address pension liberation activity involves the Pensions Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority, Department for Work and Pensions, HM Revenue & Customs, Serious and Organised Crime Agency, Serious Fraud Office, National Fraud Authority, City of London Police and the Information Commissioner’s Office. It is also being conducted to inform the development of the National Crime Agency, which will seek to drive even greater levels of cross agency collaboration against economic crime. In the past couple of years there has been a dramatic increase in members of pension schemes being approached to take a portion of their savings as cash before they reach the minimum pension age of 55. The Information Commissioner’s Office, which regulates marketing calls and text messages, has seen reports of spam text messages related to reclaiming pensions more than triple in the past six months, and one in eight spam messages sent in March are thought to relate to pensions. The office has seen a similar spike in cold calls relating to pensions. A collective desire to find a higher return on savings is at the heart of the problem, with the promise of pension loans or cash lump sums acting as an added incentive for people to raid pension pots. Some of these funds are being completely lost to fraudsters and victims are also being charged with very high fees from the pension scheme organisers, with substantial tax charges of up to 55% being applied to monies transferred. This claws back pensions tax relief enjoyed on these savings. Individual victims are known to have lost more than a million pounds with many having to face the future knowing future retirement plans have been ruined and they will be forced to work into old age. If you think you may have been a victim, or if you have information regarding pension liberation fraud, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Commander Steve Head, from the City of London Police, said: “Pension liberation fraud is the new boiler room fraud phenomenon as fraudsters seek to exploit new opportunities thrown up by the changing economic climate. The promise of maximising returns on your pension savings may seem to make good financial sense but the reality is you could be falling into a terrible trap which has the potential to destroy your retirement. “People should think long and hard before releasing pension funds early and anyone who is cold-called or text messaged with this or any other type of investment opportunity should put the phone down and not reply to the message.” Pensions Minister Steve Webb said: “Pensions liberation fraud is a crime and we along with the police and others across Government are cracking down on these schemes. “The promise of easy money when times are tough is all too tempting, and there are far too many unscrupulous people who will play upon this. If you are offered a deal to unlock your pension, don't touch it."The Pensions Regulator’s chief executive Bill Galvin said: “We have seen a dramatic rise in these sorts of arrangements in the last couple of years, with hundreds of millions of pounds involved and thousands of members affected. Of particular concern has been the significant increase in the targeting of individuals via cold calling and text messaging. “We strongly urge individuals not to be taken in by such offers. If you take money from your pension before the age of 55 you stand to face substantial tax charges and will be poorer in retirement.” The HMRC said: HMRC is committed to combat pensions liberation through a very active compliance programme and working closely with other regulators to detect, deter and disrupt pensions liberation activity. Over half an individual’s pension savings can be made up of tax relief, so tax charges of up to 55% apply if people break the tax rules about how and when they can access their savings. The Pensions Regulator has been involved in a number of investigations around suspected pension liberation fraud. It strongly urges members not to be taken in by offers to such arrangements, and wants trustees, providers and administrators to consider whether members’ savings are being transferred into a liberation scheme. Advice has been issued for individuals on how to avoid becoming a victim of pension liberation fraud: Never give out financial or personal information to a cold caller. Find out about the company’s background through information online. Any financial advisers should be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Ask for a statement showing how your pension will be paid at retirement, and question who will look after your money until then. Speak to an adviser that is not associated with the proposal you’ve received, for unbiased advice. Never be rushed into agreeing to a pension transfer. View the pension liberation fraud action Pack for professionals HMRC works closely with partner regulators to deter pension liberation activity. Counteraction in this area has taken many forms, and it has an active compliance programme, including establishing both a Counter Fraud and Avoidance Team. If HMRC has any suspicions about the bona fides of any scheme or scheme administrator, either when it is set up or at a later time, we will take appropriate compliance action. View HMRC's guidance on the tax consequences of pension liberation.

Man jailed for 20 years for Attempted Murder

Thu, 9 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Today, Thursday 9th May, Jordan Murphy aged 25 has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of Attempted Murder at the Old Bailey. Murphy was charged with Attempted Murder on 20th November 2012 following an investigation by City of London Police after a man was seriously injured whilst on a night out with friends.In the early hours of Sunday 18th November, officers were called to a nightclub on Crutched Friars, EC3N, after receiving reports that a man had been stabbed. A second man was found on Carlisle Avenue with a head injury.It transpired that a fight had occurred as the victim was leaving the venue with his friends. When the victim began to leave the dance floor a man approached him and appeared to punch him several times in what was a completely unprovoked attack.Staff at the venue soon realised that the victim had been seriously injured and had been stabbed several times. Police and London Ambulance Service attended and began to treat the victim and ascertain what had taken place.The suspect left the venue as it was being emptied and walked into Carlisle Avenue. He was subsequently attacked by a man causing him to fall to the ground resulting in a facial injury. He was later found by a passer-by who notified police.Both the victim and the suspect were taken to hospital for treatment. The suspect was released from hospital later that day. The victim sustained serious stab wounds to his face, back, abdomen and chest, which left him needing life saving surgery. On Sunday 18th November the suspect was arrested on suspicion of Attempted Murder.A second man was arrested for the assault on the suspect in Carlisle Avenue, this investigation is ongoing. Detective Chief Inspector David Evans said: “This sentence reflects the severity of the offence and the devastating impact it can have upon all of those involved. Those intent on coming to the City of London to commit violent crime will not be tolerated and City of London Police will always seek to investigate and deal with these matters to the fullest.”

Police appeal for witnesses of sexual assault

Wed, 8 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

City of London Police is appealing for witnesses after a 19 year old woman was sexually assaulted on a bus on Friday 3rd May. The assault occurred between 07:45 and 08:00 hours on the number 25 bus, which was travelling between Leadenhall Street and Cornhill. The offence took place on the ground floor of the bus, which was packed full of people at the time. It is believed that the suspect got on to the bus at the St Katherine Cree bus stop and got off on Cornhill. The suspect is described as a white man with short red/brown hair aged in his late 30s. He had a stocky build and was about 5’11. At the time of the offence he was wearing a grey coloured top with dark trousers and was carrying a black rucksack. Officers are anxious to speak to people who were on the bus that day at that time. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Public Protection Unit at Wood Street Police Station. The Unit can also be contacted via email publicprotectionunit@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk or by phone 0207 6012930. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Don’t become a victim of crime this Bank Holiday

Fri, 3 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The sunshine has arrived in London and with its arrival more people are expected to be out enjoying themselves over the Bank Holiday weekend.City of London Police wants those who visit the Square Mile to be able to enjoy themselves safely and not fall victim to crime. With the good weather and an increased number of people socialising outside, opportunist thieves may strike. If you are coming into the City this weekend please be aware of your surroundings and keep your property with you at all times.Whilst crime in general is low in the City, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim by taking a few simple precautions. Some general points: You will be safest in bright, well lit and busy areas Try to look and act confident - look like you know where you are going and walk tall You might like to spread your valuables around your body. For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket If someone tries to take something from you, it may just be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury You can use reasonable force in self-defence. You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying anyway (for example, keys or a can of deodorant), but you may not carry a weapon If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker might be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self-defence and use it against you. It is often better just to shout loudly and run away Shout 'fire' rather than 'help' - it can get more results If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop, or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing Stay with friends whenever possible, don’t walk home alone Look after your friends if they’ve had too much to drink and make sure they get home safely.

Force helps reduce road injuries by 12%

Fri, 3 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Latest figures show a reduction of 12% in the number of collisions resulting in injury in the Square Mile over the past year, despite the increase in the number of cyclists in the City. The force has worked in a number of ways to achieve this target, most notably by spotting and seizing uninsured vehicles which entered the City. Research suggests that those who drive vehicles whilst uninsured or unlicensed are up to ten times more likely to be involved in a collision. Teams from across the force worked together to identify uninsured vehicles that entered the City with the ANPR (Automatic number plate reader) system alerting control when such a vehicle entered the City. Officers would then stop the vehicle and conduct checks via the Police National Computer (PNC) bureau who would then confirm if the vehicle was uninsured, had no tax or if the driver was the correct registered keeper. This also helped the force gather relevant intelligence and information about who is coming into the City.One of the force’s current priorities is to increase the amount of illegal vehicles seized, thus denying criminals the use of our roads.Inspector Dave Aspinall said “We are constantly seeking new ways of utilising technology such as ANPR to reduce criminality, catch offenders and reduce casualties. Whilst it is encouraging to see a reduction in the number of collisions on the City’s roads, we are committed to working to ensure this downward trend continues.”Force wide figures since April 2012 to March 2013No insurance – 281No driving licence – 100No insurance and no licence – 98Crime related offences and other - 87

Police seek man in CCTV images following burglary

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday 9th April, 2013, a home in High Timber Street, London, EC4 was burgled. An untidy search was made of the property and a significant number of items of high value jewellery were stolen. Do you recognise the man in the CCTV? Has he tried to sell you any distinctive items of jewellery? Amongst the items stolen was a unique ladies Rettangolo Bvlgari watch in yellow gold with bracelet in white leather - valued at £10,000. If you recognise the man or any of the items pictured, please call DS Mark Simmons on 0207 601 2147 or email mark.simmons@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk

Two jailed as £25,000 staged accident fiddle falls apart

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Two men who fiddled £25,000 out of insurers by staging car crashes and then sending the repair bills from one of their own car workshops have been sent to prison. Richard Cash and Jonathan Baker were given jail time, and their friends Jennifer Shears and Jared Carter-Oram suspended prison terms, after they admitted making false claims for car repairs, recovery and storage costs as well as whiplash injuries off the back of three engineered crashes in Devon between 2009 and 2011. In November 2009 it was reported that Baker’s VW Golf had collided with Shears’ Toyota Supra and a BMW on Wright’s Lane in Torquay, resulting in a payout from Direct Line that included almost £7,000 to a car workshop, Shell Shocked Autobodies, owned by Cash and Carter-Oram. In January 2011 Cash’s BMW, Carter-Oram’s Mazda RX7 and Baker’s Ford Fiesta were all reportedly involved in a smash close to Shell Shocked Autobodies’ premises on Decoy Industrial Estate in Newton Abbot. Claims totalling £80,000 were submitted to Direct Line but, their suspicions aroused, the insurer refused to shell out the whole amount. In February 2011 Shears’ Peugeot 206 was supposedly hit by a Ford Mondeo on Babbacombe Road in Torquay, leading to payout from Tradewise Insurance which included £2,000 to Shell Shocked Autobodies. In May 2012 Direct Line referred the claims linked to the January 2011 crash to the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED). At this stage IFED detectives identified that the claims linked to the crashes in November 2009 and February 2011 were fraudulent. In July 2012 detectives arrested Baker, Carter-Oram, a 26-year-old man and a 35-year-old man in Devon, with Cash later arrested in Fareham. Shears voluntarily attended a City of London Police station for interview in August. Cash, Baker, Carter-Oram and Shears were subsequently charged with, and pleaded guilty to, conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. Earlier today (Monday 29 April 2013), at Southwark Crown Court, the following sentences were passed: Cash, 28, of Park Avenue in Brixham, was jailed for 14 months and ordered to pay a total of £16,716.34 compensation to the two insurers. Baker, 30, of Shute Hill in Bishopsteignton, was sent to prison for six months. Carter-Oram, 32, of Middle Warberry Road in Torquay, received a six month jail term suspended for 12 months and was ordered to undertake 125 hours unpaid work. Shears, 26, of Whittlesford Road in Newton, Cambridge, was handed a two month prison term suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to carry out 75 hours unpaid work and pay a total of £2,220 compensation to the two insurers. DCI Dave Wood, Head of IFED, said: “Cash, Baker, Carter-Oram and Shears worked in cahoots to extract as much money as they could from insurers, even sending in repair bills from one of their own workshops. “But what these four friends did not count on was IFED and the insurance industry working together to bring to justice criminals who think insurance fraud is an easy way to enhance their bank balance.” Late last year (December 2012), a 26-year-old man from Torquay was handed a police caution after allowing his personal details to be used in a fraudulent claim and a 35-year-old man from Newton Abbot was given a conditional caution after admitting to making a fake insurance claim for damage to his Ford Mondeo after the February 2011 crash. Wayne Martin, Claims Director at Tradewise Insurance, said: “This case demonstrates that working together with like minds in the industry, and with the support of law enforcement authorities, we can continue to fight fraud with confidence. It also sends a strong message to would be fraudsters that Tradewise and other insurers will not tolerate this behaviour.” Mike Brown, Head of Counter Fraud Intelligence at Direct Line, said: "We are very pleased with the outcome of these proceedings. This sentence sends a clear message that insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and those who seek to defraud insurers will be held to account. Direct Line takes insurance fraud seriously and is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Fraud adds £50 to each and every insurance premium, so every pound taken by fraudsters, is taken from honest policy holders’ pockets.”

London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority seeks your views on proposals for future fire and rescue service delivery

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

As part of its consultation process on its draft Fifth London Safety Plan, the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) will be holding a public meeting for the City of London on Thursday 9 May from 7 pm – 9 pm in The Main Hall at St Albans Centre, Leigh Place, Baldwins Gardens, Holborn, London EC1N 7AB The meeting will outline the proposed plan which sets out how the fire and rescue service could be delivered over the next few years. Amongst other things, it includes plans to keep within target attendance times for getting to incidents and details how savings worth £28.8m could be made. These proposals also involve the closure of 12 fire stations, the removal of 18 fire engines, the redeployment of four fire engines and a reduction in the number of firefighter posts of 520. The meeting will be chaired by the North East Area Deputy Assistant Commissioner and have a panel drawn from Principal Management of the London Fire Brigade and members of LFEPA. GM John Simpson, London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander for the City of London will also be in attendance. This meeting will give you the opportunity to put any questions you may have directly to the panel. Full details of the plan proposals and the online consultation can be found here. When consultation on the full plan is complete, all of the responses received will be analysed. A report will be prepared and considered by LFEPA, who make decisions on the proposals in the plan. The final decision is expected to be made later this year, but not before June 2013.

Officers appeal to trace owners of stolen property after man is sentenced

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A 35 year old man has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment following a series of thefts, which were carried out in the Square Mile and the West End. Rabbah Azzoug aged 35, DOB 07/03/13 of Pelican Estate SE1, was sentenced on 7 March at The Old Bailey after he was found guilty of 11 separate theft offences. A number of thefts were reported to police where various items of personal property, including handbags, rucksacks, wallets and sunglasses had been stolen from cafes, bars and restaurants in the Square Mile and West End. Officers began an investigation using CCTV from the venues where the crimes had occurred. They were able to identify a man who had entered the venues without a bag but had left carrying one. On 19 January 2012, Azzoug was seen on CCTV talking on a mobile phone whilst entering a bar on Liverpool Street, EC2M. He approaches the victim’s laptop bag and moves it with his foot so it is more accessible, he then picks it up and leaves the venue. On 21 June 2012, CCTV picked up Azzoug entering a bar on Austin Friars, EC2N, again he appeared to be on the phone as he walked around the bar looking for property. He can be seen using his foot to move a bag away from the owner then pick it up and leave the bar. Azzoug was seen on CCTV at the same venue on 4 September 2012, he enters the bar and steals a rucksack from an unsuspecting victim. See CCTV stills attached. Each time Azzoug committed an offence he worked quickly and was at the venue for less than five minutes. Officers were able to identify an area which Azzoug often visited and were able to map out a route he usually took by tracking the usage of a stolen Oyster card, which was in one of the stolen handbags. With this information, officers carried out an operation in the identified areas hoping to catch him in the act. On the second night of the operation Azzoug was spotted entering a venue, where he was suspected of previously committing a crime, he appeared to be looking for items that could easily be stolen. On exiting the venue he was arrested. Following his arrest in November 2012 officers searched Azzoug’s home where they found various items of stolen property. Over 250 handbags and purses were seized from the address along with ten pairs of sunglasses. Officers are now hoping to trace the owners of these stolen items and return them. PC Dave Jones, from the investigation, said: “I am pleased with this sentencing, Azzoug was given the highest possible sentence for this type of crime. My focus is now about returning the stolen items to their rightful owners. When a handbag is stolen it can be very upsetting and costly, I hope this sentence will reassure the public that justice has been done.” If you have been the victim of a theft in the West End or Square Mile prior to November 2012 and would like to enquire as to whether your bag has been found please contact us. Please provide your crime reference number, details of when and where the theft occurred and a description of the property taken, particularly any identifying marks. Please contact PC Louise Price Louise.price@cityoflondon.police.uk or PC Carlos Jones Carlos.jones@cityoflondon.police.uk

Driver who made up crash with make believe policyholder sentenced

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

An Audi driver who made a four figure insurance claim for a fictitious crash with a policyholder he had made up has been ordered to undertake 120 hours unpaid work. Raja Abbas reported to his insurer that he had hit a Vauxhall Corsa owned by a motorist called ‘James Carr’. But, in reality, Abbas had himself taken out the insurance policy on the unregistered Corsa under the alias of Carr so he could claim £2,300 damage to his Audi. The fraudster’s claim unravelled when Covéa Insurance conducted their own investigation and could find no evidence of the existence of Carr or his Corsa. Further enquiries revealed Abbas used the same bankcard to pay for his alias’ car insurance and to get his Audi out of a storage centre where it had been kept after the ‘accident’. At this point, Covéa Insurance referred the matter to the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) who passed it to the City of London Police Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED). IFED detectives travelled to the West Midlands to arrest Abbas at his home in May 2012. The 34-year-old of Jasmine Road, in Dudley, was subsequently charged with, and pleaded guilty to, fraud by false representation. Yesterday (Wednesday 24 April 2013), at City of London Magistrates’ Court, Abbas was handed a 12 month community order and was ordered to undertake 120 hours unpaid work as well as pay £650 court costs.DC Tom Hill, who led the IFED investigation, said: “Abbas thought he could make a quick buck by inventing himself a new identity. He let his imagination run away with him but his sentence and a criminal record should bring him back down to earth with a bump.” Ben Fletcher, Director of the IFB, said: “Insurance fraud is a crime and the industry has checks in place to root-out cheats like Abbas. Fraud costs us all as honest policyholders and the IFB continues to work with the police to bring fraudsters who pick our pockets to justice. Members of the public can report suspected insurance fraud to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline, by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 422 0421.” Steve Jackson, Head of Financial Crime at Covéa Insurance, said "We are committed to combating insurance fraud and this conviction demonstrates that we make no distinction about the value of the crime."

Commanders appointed to oversee Operational Policing and Economic Crime

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Wayne Chance has been appointed Commander (Operational Policing) and Steve Head has been appointed Commander (Economic Crime). Both will take up their roles with immediate effect. Commissioner Adrian Leppard said: “The standard of applicants was very high. Wayne and Steve bring a wide range of skills and experience complementing their respective command responsibilities. I am looking forward to working with them within the Chief Officer Team as we continue our mission to build the City of London Police into a worldwide centre of excellence.” Chairman of the Police Committee Deputy Henry Pollard said: “Members of the Police Committee supported the Commissioner in the recruitment of the two Commanders and were very impressed with the record and experience demonstrated by the successful candidates. These appointments are of strategic importance to both the City Police and the City Corporation and, after a comprehensive recruitment process, the Police Committee is keen to continue to work together with Wayne and Steve to ensure an efficient and effective police service for our City communities.” Both of these senior management appointments reflect the wide-ranging scope and breadth of City of London Police’s remit to reduce crime and combat the threat of terrorism within the City along with its responsibility to develop initiatives to combat fraud as the national lead force for economic crime. Wayne Chance has 27 years experience as a police officer including three years as Borough Commander of Southwark where he oversaw significant reductions in all levels of crime. Read Commander Chance's full biography. Steve Head has 28 years service with the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police. He has held a number of senior roles with City Police including head of the force’s Economic Crime Directorate. Read Commander Head's full biography.

Britons convicted in US court of £80 million share fraud

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Two British citizens have today been found guilty in a US court of being key players in an international share fraud that conned more than £80 million ($120 million dollars) from thousands of UK investors. A joint investigation by the City of London Police and US law enforcement, supported by the Serious Fraud Office and Norfolk Police, uncovered how Simon Odoni, 56, and Paul Gunter, 64, were the backbone of the Trans-Atlantic organised crime gang. A network of Spanish-based boiler rooms used personal details taken from dormant public companies to cold call primarily elderly and vulnerable people with offers of shares that they claimed would rise in value but in fact were restricted and virtually worthless. Individual losses ranged from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of pounds, with much of the money being funnelled off into US accounts and blown by the gang leaders on a lavish lifestyle of boats, planes, cars and properties. Odoni, from Hertfordshire and Gunter, originally from London, were found guilty of mail and wire fraud and money laundering. The verdicts came two years after another UK citizen, Richard Pope, admitted to being a part of the same gang and later agreed to provide evidence for the prosecution. All three men will be sentenced in Tampa within the next three months. Detective Inspector Kerrie Gower, from the City of London Police: “If anyone epitomised the ruthless, cold hearted and despicable fraudster Odoni, Gunter and Pope fit the mould. I hope that we finally get the message across that the 'Catch me if you can' image of the modern day fraudster is put to bed. “The misery and devastation these men inflicted on people, many of them elderly and vulnerable is horrific and I hope these convictions will bring some comfort to their many victims. This tragic story should also act as warning to anyone who has been cold called and is considering putting their money into investment schemes offering massive returns. It is simply not worth the risk.”

NFIB join forces with ABTA, Get Safe Online and Action Fraud to launch national holiday fraud campaign

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Travel Association is today (April 19) launching a new campaign with the support of the NFIB, Get Safe Online and Action Fraud to warn the general public about the dangers posed by holiday booking fraud. As part of the campaign research undertaken by the NFIB for the first time measures the scale of the crime and exposes common tactics used by fraudsters. The organisations have also published advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of holiday booking fraud. Download it at: http://abta.com/go-travel/before-you-travel/travel-tips/fraud What is holiday booking fraud? Holiday booking fraud is when consumers hand over money only to discover the holiday, accommodation or flight they paid for doesn’t exist, or the booking hasn’t been made. Fraudsters are conning unsuspecting holidaymakers and travellers out of thousands of pounds each year or leaving them stranded with nowhere to stay through fake websites, false advertising, bogus phone calls and email scams. Types of holiday fraud New research by the NFIB shows close to 1,000 cases of holiday fraud reported in 2012 costing consumers approximately £1.5M. As this is the first time the NFIB has started to quantify holiday booking fraud it estimates that these figures may represent just the tip of the iceberg. The most common types of holiday booking fraud are: Airline tickets – where a customer believes they are booking a flight and receives a fake ticket or pays for a ticket that never turns up. This is the most common type of booking fraud, accounting for 45% of holiday booking fraud reported to the Police in 2012. Holiday accommodation – a third (33%) of holiday fraud victims in 2012 were scammed by the fraudulent advertisement of holiday villas and apartments, with some arriving at their destination to discover they had nowhere to stay. A high percentage of cases were reported in Spain and in London during the Olympics. The rise of self-catering villa rental sites where owners advertise directly to the consumer has made this a common target for fraudsters. A YouGov poll for ABTA* shows that one in five (19%) adults say they have paid directly for private accommodation into the owner’s bank account, rising to a third (33%) of those with three or more children. Package holiday fraud – fraudsters like to target those booking group, sports and religious packages with deals and special offers. Major events in long-haul destinations are a particular target for fraudsters, such as the pilgrimage to the Hajj and major sporting events such as The Ashes. This is because these sorts of events are often expensive due to high demand so deals can be attractive and many travellers are booking on behalf of a group, meaning that the value of the booking is high. Visa applications – particularly the ESTA visa requirement for the US, also appear to be an emerging target for fraudsters. Who is at risk? Anyone booking a holiday is at risk. The report found males are slightly more likely to have reported a case of holiday fraud than females and those aged 30-49 were also more likely to have been a victim of holiday fraud. Fraud applies to both overseas and UK bookings. Certain behaviours can increase risk, particularly when booking online, such as not researching the holiday company properly. According to the YouGov poll for ABTA one in ten consumers (9%) does nothing to research their travel company, such as checking if it is a member of a trade association such as ABTA (which has a code of conduct in place to protect consumers), not asking friends and family for recommendations, nor running a web search. In addition, a quarter of holidaymakers (27%) are prepared to pay £200 or more as an upfront payment or deposit to secure their holiday booking, with 7% willing to put down £500 or more. Mark Tanzer, CEO ABTA said: “Unfortunately, travel arrangements booked online can attract criminals because of the large sums of money involved and because they can hide behind a fake website or email. It’s particularly distressing for people when they might save up for months or even years for their holiday, or to visit family overseas, only to discover the flight or hotel doesn’t exist, or the booking has never been made. Many are left devastated as they cannot afford another holiday. You should always verify that your travel company is a Member of a trade association such as ABTA, research the company thoroughly and never pay into an individual’s bank account by direct bank transfer.” Deputy Director of the NFIB, DCI Pete O’Doherty said: “The internet has revolutionised the way we look for and book our holidays. Unfortunately it is also enabling fraudsters to prey upon people’s desires to create that perfect break for friends and family, using online offers of villas, hotels and flights that are either double-booked or simply don’t exist. Last year the NFIB continued to receive hundreds of reports of holiday fraud but the actual number of victims could be much greater, with some people still reluctant to come forward and say they have fallen foul of the fraudsters. Only by knowing the true nature and scale of the problem can we identify and effectively target those most responsible for this damaging and distressing crime, which is why it is so important for victims of holiday fraud to contact Action Fraud.” Tony Neate, CEO, Getsafeonline.org said: “Holidays are meant to be highlights in our year, so it can be particularly painful to get caught out by fraudsters if you’re booking yours online. But there are ways to keep yourself safe and make sure that you don’t get caught out. For example, if you do your research properly you should be able to find multiple online reviews of the holiday you’re booking, as well as the website you’re booking it though. If you can’t you may want to think again. You should then always pay on a credit card because it offers you more protection, and before entering your details check the link is secure by looking out for a padlock symbol in the browser window frame and ‘https://’ at the beginning of the web address. The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.” A guidance leaflet with tips to help consumers avoid becoming a victim of fraud is available at: http://abta.com/go-travel/before-you-travel/travel-tips/fraud